Uzbekistan is embarking on an ambitious transformation of the Chartak district in Namangan region, positioning it as a year-round tourism powerhouse for the entire Fergana Valley. The government has committed fifty million dollars to this comprehensive infrastructure overhaul, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to regional tourism development.
The Chartak district, despite its natural appeal and strategic location, has been operating significantly below its potential due to inadequate digital infrastructure and service gaps. The area currently lacks essential online booking systems, digital information services, and cultural entertainment facilities — shortcomings that the new development program aims to address comprehensively.
Infrastructure expansion creates new business opportunities
The centerpiece of the development involves constructing a comprehensive tourism complex around Chartak reservoir, featuring modern hotels, restaurants, and entertainment zones. Simultaneously, authorities are launching an even larger project in Pap district, where a sprawling tourism center covering 1,200 hectares near Arashan lake will be capable of accommodating up to one million visitors annually.
Engineering works will include concreting seven kilometers of riverbanks along Chartaksay and the Greater Namangan Canal, creating thirty hectares of developable land. This reclaimed area will host major sanatorium and resort facilities, designed to integrate harmoniously with existing multi-year gardens and natural landscapes.
The World Bank partnership will fund the reconstruction and expansion of Furkat park, while eleven kilometers of pedestrian and cycling paths will be constructed along the Chartaksay river, enhancing accessibility and recreational infrastructure.
Regional development strategy targets employment growth
Regional authorities have been tasked with developing a comprehensive master plan for scenic zones throughout Namangan region. The strategy identifies potential for 650 service facilities along rivers and canals flowing through Pap, Turakurgan, Uychi, and Chust districts, creating immediate employment for 10,000 people. Long-term projections suggest the complete program could generate 50,000 new jobs across the region.
Professional development initiatives include establishing a specialized tourism faculty at Namangan State University in partnership with Austria’s University of Krems, starting from the 2025/2026 academic year. The program will focus on practical training aligned with international tourism industry standards.
Current tourism performance demonstrates the sector’s growing importance to regional economics. This year alone, the region attracted 1.2 million foreign visitors and 2 million domestic tourists, generating over 200 million dollars in revenue.
The presidential directive behind these initiatives reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to maximizing underutilized tourism assets while addressing infrastructure gaps that have historically limited growth potential.
International furniture manufacturers, construction companies, and interior design firms will find significant opportunities in these developments. The large-scale hospitality projects require extensive furnishing for hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities, while the sanatorium construction presents specialized interior solutions for wellness environments. Construction companies can participate in the infrastructure development, particularly in the innovative riverside engineering projects and sustainable building integration with natural landscapes.
